DRDO CHESS Paid Internship 2025: Your Gateway to a Career in Defence Research
Are you a bright, ambitious final-year student ready to translate your academic knowledge into real-world innovation? The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has unveiled a golden opportunity that could define your career path! The Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), a prestigious DRDO laboratory in Hyderabad, is inviting applications for its Paid Internship Program 2025. This isn’t just an internship; it’s a six-month deep dive into the world of high-end defence technology. With 20 coveted positions available, a handsome stipend of ₹30,000 (₹5,000 per month), and the chance to work on cutting-edge projects, this is your moment to shine. Seize this opportunity to learn from the nation’s top scientists and engineers. The application window closes on 15th July 2025, so read on and get ready to apply!
DRDO CHESS Paid Internship 2025: Organization Details
This prestigious internship program is offered by one of India’s most respected scientific bodies, ensuring an unparalleled learning experience.
- Hiring Organization: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
- Laboratory: Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad
- About CHESS: CHESS is a premier DRDO lab at the forefront of research in Directed Energy Systems. Interns will get exposure to state-of-the-art work in fields like Lasers, Optics, Opto-Electronics, and Opto-Mechanics.
- Number of Posts: 20
- Internship Duration: 06 Months
- Location: CHESS, RCI Campus, Vignyanakancha Post, Hyderabad – 500069
- Application Mode: Via Email
Vacancy Breakdown: Find Your Discipline
DRDO-CHESS has opened its doors for students from several key engineering and science disciplines. The 20 available positions are distributed as follows:
| Branch Code | Branch / Discipline | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| PH | Physics / Applied Optics | 6 |
| ME | Mechanical Engineering | 6 |
| EE | Electronics / Electrical / Communication | 5 |
| CS | Computer Science | 3 |
| Total | 20 |
Note: The number of vacancies is indicative and may be adjusted at the discretion of the establishment.
Eligibility Criteria: Do You Qualify?
To be part of this exclusive program, candidates must meet specific academic and personal criteria. Ensure you check every point before applying.
- Educational Qualification:
- Candidates must be pursuing their final year of a full-time Graduate (B.E./B.Tech.) or Post Graduate (M.E./M.Tech./M.Sc.) degree in the relevant discipline.
- The course must be from a recognized Indian University or an AICTE/UGC approved institute.
- A strong academic record is essential. Applicants must have secured 75% or higher marks in aggregate or a CGPA of 7.5 or above on a 10-point scale.
- Age Limit:
- The applicant’s age must be below 28 years.
- Essential Requirement:
- A referral letter or request letter from the Principal or Director of your institution is mandatory. This letter should recommend highly deserving and meritorious students for the internship.
Important Dates: Mark Your Calendar!
Timing is crucial. Missing a deadline means missing the opportunity. Keep these dates firmly in mind:
- Last Date for Application Receipt: 15th July 2025
- Intimation to Selected Students: 22nd July 2025
- Internship Start Date: 01st August 2025
Salary & Benefits: More Than Just a Stipend
While the financial reward is an attractive component, the true value of the DRDO-CHESS internship extends far beyond the stipend. This is an investment in your future, offering benefits that will pay dividends throughout your career.
The selected interns will receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000. Over the six-month duration, this amounts to a total of ₹30,000. The payment is structured in two equal installments: the first ₹15,000 will be disbursed after the successful completion of three months, and the final ₹15,000 will be paid upon the completion of the full six-month term. This structure encourages commitment and rewards your sustained effort.
However, the real treasure lies in the experience itself. Imagine working alongside the brightest minds in India’s defence research sector. You will be contributing to projects of national importance, gaining hands-on experience with technologies that are not accessible in a typical academic environment. This internship provides a unique platform to:
- Develop Practical Skills: Apply your theoretical knowledge to solve real-world challenges in fields like high-energy lasers and advanced optical systems.
- Build a Professional Network: Connect with senior scientists, engineers, and fellow interns, building a network that can be invaluable for your future career.
- Enhance Your Resume: An internship certificate from DRDO is a badge of honor. It signals to future employers that you have been vetted and trained by one of the country’s most prestigious R&D organizations, significantly boosting your employability.
- Gain a Competitive Edge: This experience can be a stepping stone to a full-time career in DRDO, other public sector undertakings, or top private sector companies in the aerospace and defence domain.
While interns are responsible for their own lodging, boarding, and transport, the experience, knowledge, and prestige gained from this program are truly priceless.
Selection Process: How You Get In
The selection process at DRDO-CHESS is designed to identify the most promising and meritorious students. There is no written exam; the selection is based purely on merit.
- Application Screening: All applications will be scrutinized based on the eligibility criteria. The primary filter will be the academic performance (CGPA/Percentage) of the applicant.
- Merit-Based Shortlisting: A merit list will be prepared based on the academic records of the applicants. The referral letter from the college Principal/Director also plays a crucial role in this stage.
- Final Selection & Intimation: Shortlisted candidates will be directly notified via email about their selection and the subsequent joining procedures. No communication will be sent to rejected candidates.
- Document Verification: At the time of joining, selected students must produce all original documents for verification. This includes:
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the college.
- Police Verification Certificate.
- Aadhar Card and College ID Card.
- All previous semester mark sheets.
- Undertakings related to the Official Secrets Act and IT Rules.
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application process is straightforward and conducted online via email. Follow these steps carefully:
- Download the Application Form: Visit the official DRDO website careers page or use the direct link provided below to download the prescribed application format.
- Fill the Application Form: Fill in all the details accurately. This includes your name, date of birth, academic details (CGPA/Percentage), contact information, and the branch code for your discipline.
- Arrange Enclosures: Gather all the required documents as per the checklist in the application form:
- Referral Letter from your Principal/Director.
- Copy of your UG/PG Marksheet reflecting your CGPA/Percentage.
- A copy of your latest Aadhar Card.
- Scan and Email: Scan the duly filled application form along with all the enclosures into a single PDF file.
- Send the Email: Email the scanned PDF file to the official email address: [email protected]. Ensure the email is sent well before the deadline of 15th July 2025.
Application Fees
There is no application fee for the DRDO-CHESS Paid Internship Program. This initiative by DRDO ensures that the opportunity is accessible to all deserving students, regardless of their financial background.
Official Notification & Apply Link
To ensure you have access to authentic information and forms, use the official links provided below.
- Official Notification & Application Form PDF: Download Here
- Official Website: Visit Here
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